Trump Appointee's 'Close' Epstein Ties Spark Outrage

Calls mount for ambassador to resign or be removed over revelations of regular contact with convicted sex offender

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Political observers and analysts expressed outrage after reports surfaced that a Donald Trump appointee, Thomas Barrack, who serves as U.S. ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria, was in regular, close contact with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein for years after Epstein's 2008 conviction.

Why it matters

Barrack's ties to Epstein raise serious concerns about his judgment and fitness to serve in sensitive diplomatic roles, especially given Epstein's history of sexual abuse of minors. The revelations have sparked calls for Barrack to resign or be removed from his positions.

The details

According to a CBS News analysis of over 100 texts and email exchanges from newly released Justice Department documents, Barrack was in regular, close contact with Epstein for years after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor. This included Epstein asking Barrack to send him photos of 'you and child' to 'put a smile on his face'.

  • Barrack has served as U.S. ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria since 2017.
  • Epstein was convicted of soliciting a minor in 2008.

The players

Thomas Barrack

A Donald Trump appointee who serves as U.S. ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria. He was in regular, close contact with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein for years after Epstein's 2008 conviction.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender who was in regular contact with Thomas Barrack for years after his 2008 conviction.

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What they’re saying

“Anyone who was well acquainted with Epstein, and who he would ask them for pictures of 'you and child' to put a smile on his own face, has no business being a US Ambassador.”

— Rogue POTUS Staff, X account (X)

“Whooops: Tom Barrack, the US Ambassador to Turkey is asked by Epstein to send photos of 'child' to make him smile.”

— KT "Special MI6 Operation" (X)

“It really is, as Longwell said, the Epstein administration.”

— Bill Kristol, Conservative commentator (Twitter)

What’s next

The judge overseeing Barrack's case is expected to rule on whether he will be allowed to remain free on bail on Tuesday.

The takeaway

Barrack's close ties to the convicted sex offender Epstein have raised serious questions about his judgment and fitness to serve in sensitive diplomatic roles. The revelations have sparked widespread calls for him to resign or be removed from his positions, underscoring the continued fallout from the Epstein scandal.